International Business Education and Practices: Chinese "Sea Turtles" and Economic Development

China's rapid economic growth has created a demand for professionals of international competence. Many Chinese go overseas studying and repatriate for this job market. However, expatriates with little job experience are often unemployed for an extended period unless they lower their expectations in coastal cities where economy is vibrant, while few go to inland regions of lesser developed. Thus, expatriates as "Sea Turtles" become "Sea Weeds." This paper addresses the issues determining this transformation by differential economic development. We discuss the current status of expatriate employability and emergent need in China, and also make policy and strategy suggestions.